Past Black History Month Events
In February, the Museum focuses its attention on a specific African-American root or offshoot of rock and roll. Events include free performances by local and national groups, film screenings, lectures, and intimate evenings of conversation, all celebrating the traditions of blues, soul, rhythm & blues and gospel. Since 1996, performers have included Robert Lockwood, Jr., The Temptations, Charles Brown, Ruth Brown, Take 6, Al Green, the Ohio Players and the Manhattans.
Previous Programs are Listed Below
2008
The Sound of Stax: A Celebration of Soul Music
- Al Bell
- William Bell
- Rob Bowman
- Deanie Parker
- Ashley Davis
2007
A Celebration of Reggae
- Chris Blackwell
- Mikey Dread
- The Mighty Diamonds and Dub Flex
- Roger Steffens
- Toots Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals
- Ennis Edmonds
2006
A Celebration of Funk
- Portia Maultsby
- Clyde Stubblefield and John “Jab’o” Starks
- Nile Rodgers of Chic
- Thomas Sayers Ellis
- Chuck Brown
- Bootsy Collins
- The Ohio Players
2005
- Little Milton
- Progressive Arts Alliance
2004
- Deacon John
- Cosimo Matassa
- Earl Palmer
- Dr. John
- Craig Werner
- Johnny Coleman
- David Driskell
- Kim and Reggie Harris
2003
From the Bottom of the Heart: Celebrating Rock’s African American Roots
- The Roots
- The Funk Brothers
- Sweet Chariot Gospel Choir
- Marques Houston
- Ruff Endz
- Cleveland Dance Theater
2002
The Atlantic Records Story
- Ahmet Ertegun
- Solomon Burke
- Sam Moore
- Percy Sledge
- Lalah Hathaway
- Marc Dorsey
- Lina
- Anthony Hamilton
- Myron
2001
The Sound of Young America: A Tribute to Motown
- Mary Wilson
- The Miracles
- The Velvelettes
- The Contours
- The Four Tops
- New Motown featuring india.aria and Sparkle
2000
Soft and Smooth: Celebrating the Vocal Harmony Roots of Rock and Roll
- The Manhattans Featuring Gerald Alston & Blue Lovett
- The Persuasions
- The Dramatics
- The Dells
- R&B Pioneers: The Edsels, The Harptones, Chere Duncan and the Penguins, and the Solitaires
1999
A Joyful Noise: Celebrating Rock’s Gospel Roots
- Al Green
- Take Six
- Darlene Love and the Light of Love
- Donnie McClurkin
- Richard Smallwood and Vision
- Candi Staton
- plus gospel music workshop for choir directors and keyboard players
1998
Let the Good Times Roll: A Tribute to Rhythm & Blues
- Charles Brown
- Ruth Brown
- Jerry Butler
1997
Celebrating America’s Soul
- Cholly Atkins
- Solomon Burke
- Holland-Dozier-Holland
- Maxine Powell
- The Velvelettes
- The Temptations
- Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
1996
Blues Month
Public Programs
Sponsored by Target and KeyBank
and in partnership with NewsChannel 5, Radio One and the Call & Post.
Otis Redding Plane Part, 1967.
Recovered from Madison, WI crash site 12/10/67.
Photo by Design Photography
Collection of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
